Everline, Wonga's specialist operation for small businesses, has appointed Octopus Group to improve brand awareness.

Octopus won the work following a competitive pitch involving two other agencies. It has been briefed to create an integrated communications programme to increase brand awareness and drive customer acquisition.

Everline is a short-term digital lender for small and medium enterprises, offering loans to entrepreneurs. It launched as Wonga for Business in May 2012 and rebranded as Everline last year, while Wonga was seeking to respond to criticism that it was exploiting vulnerable customers.

Octopus will work on brand awareness including maximising strategic partnerships, web development, digital engagement and PR.

The agency will report to Everline head of marketing Anthony Harrison, who said that marketing and PR would play a vital role in driving the company’s growth and developing channels with strategic partners.